FedEx Canada Receives first BrightDrop Zevo’s

Posted on 14 June 2023 by Ken Zino

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FedEx Express Canada in Toronto today received  its first 50 BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric delivery The introduction of BrightDrop’s electric vans into the FedEx fleet in Canada is part of the company’s goal to transform its entire parcel pickup and delivery (aka PUD – we didn’t make this acronym up they did – AutoCrat) fleet to all-electric, zero-tailpipe emission vehicles by 2040.

“FedEx Express Canada is proud of the role we’re playing to help our company work toward the goal of carbon neutral operations globally by 2040. Working with companies like BrightDrop that are helping to build these solutions, right here in our own backyard, shows how Canada is helping to bring more sustainable solutions to life across a variety of industries,” said Dean Jamieson, vice president of operations, FedEx Express Canada. Continue reading →

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Global Light Vehicle Sales at ~89 Million Rose Again in May

Posted on 14 June 2023 by Ken Zino

The Global Light Vehicle (LV) selling rate rose to 89 million units/year in May (aka SAAR), from 85 million units/year in April according to data just released by the respected LMC Automotive* consultancy. (AutoInformed:Global Light Vehicle Sales Soar in April 2023; May US Light Vehicles Sales Forecast Up 20%)

“US LV sales grew 23.5% YoY to 1.4 million units as OEMs raised vehicle production on the back of fewer supply issues. China performed stronger than the first four months of the year with a selling rate of 29.6 million units/year. All major West European countries reported positive YoY growth as their markets continue to recover with the easing of supply issues,” LMC said in copyrighted report for clients. Continue reading →

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Nancy Edelbrock of California Hot Rodding Royalty Passes

Posted on 14 June 2023 by Ken Zino
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“It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nancy Edelbrock, a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished friend of many in the Edelbrock family. Nancy left this world on 10 June 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength,” the Edelbrock Group has posted on its website.

Born on August 30, 1936, in Evanston, Illinois, Nancy was the daughter of Frederick and Alice Marie Crook, who moved to Hermosa Beach, California, after WWII. Nancy Crook was accepted to Stanford university in the fall of 1954 but transferred to the University of Southern California. “As a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, she became president of Panhellenic and was extremely active in the student senate. She was also a Helen of Troy member for her academic achievements,” the Edelbrock says.
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Mustang Dark Horse in Rolling Road Wind Tunnel

Posted on 13 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Mustang Dark Horse in Rolling Road Wind Tunnel

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Ford Motor Company released today photos of its new Mustang Dark Horse on its  vehicle-sized treadmill, aka Rolling Road Wind Tunnel (RRWT). The Rolling Road Wind Tunnel was used to help develop the all-new Mustang® Dark Horse™, which has the most downforce of any 5.0-liter Mustang when equipped with the expensive and optional Handling Package that helps the vehicle stick to the ground both on the street and on the track. (AutoInformed: Ford To Run Mustangs in GT3 and GTD Next Year; Ford Shows 2023 Mustang GT Racer before Bathurst 1000)

“The amount of air moved by our wind tunnel is enough to fill a K-Class blimp in just over 5 seconds,” said John Toth, North America Wind Tunnels Engineering Supervisor. Even by Ford standards this release is remarkably free of useful content. However, the photo is interesting to us, and maybe you? Continue reading →

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Buick Teases the 2024 Envision SUV

Posted on 13 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Buick Teases the 2024 Envision SUV

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Buick today provided a glimpse of the upcoming new 2024 Envision mid-size, two-row SUV for the US and Canada, which introduces a slightly refreshed design inside and out, and adds Super Cruise to the brand. This is the first time that Buick drivers will have the option to use Super Cruise1, the industry’s first true hands-free driver assistance system, compatible on more than 644,000 km of highways in the US. and Canada. Additional vehicle details and more information on the new 2024 Envision will be released later in the year. AutoInformed bets it will be priced ~US $34,000 to ~+$50,000 for the five trim levels.  (AutoInformed on: First Look – 2021 Buick Envision Mid-Size SUV)

The Envision is the third of five new vehicles Buick is debuting through 2024. Buick claims it has  become the fastest-growing mainstream brand in the US with sales up ~76% through May 2023. In Canada, Envision sales are up ~78.5% through May 2023. The current Envision has achieved its highest ever retail sales over the first half of 2023 and is on track to have its best sales year ever in the US and Canada as North American demand for luxury SUVs continues unabated. Continue reading →

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EPA – Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Awards

Posted on 13 June 2023 by Ken Zino

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today said the winners of the sixth annual National Federal Facility Excellence in Site Reuse Awards were in Missouri and New Jersey. The awards emphasize the accomplishments of federal agencies, states, Tribes, local partners, and developers in restoring and reusing contaminated land at federal facilities.

“EPA is honored to highlight the work and tremendous partnerships needed to address contaminated federal facilities and implement a locally driven reuse strategy to safeguard and revitalize communities and the environment,” said Barry Breen, EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management. Continue reading →

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IIHS – NHTSA Misjudges Value of Truck Side-Underride Guards

Posted on 13 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on IIHS - NHTSA Misjudges Value of Truck Side-Underride Guards

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) should reconsider its “dramatic underestimate” of the number of lives that could be saved by requiring side-underride guards for large trucks, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said in a recent regulatory comment made public today. Federal regulations require tractor-trailers to have underride guards on their rears, but not on their sides. (AutoInformed: IIHS: Federal Rule On Truck Under-Ride Inadequate)

“Requiring side underride guards could save more than 10 times as many lives as NHTSA projects,”* said IIHS Senior Research Engineer Matthew Brumbelow. In 2021, there were 488 passenger vehicle occupant fatalities in crashes involving the side of a tractor-trailer. Continue reading →

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Le Mans – Ferrari, Corvette, Victorious in Rain

Posted on 12 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Le Mans - Ferrari, Corvette, Victorious in Rain

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After a 50-year hiatus the Italian national anthem – at one time thought to be the racing international anthem at AutoInformed – played as Ferrari was presented with the First-place trophy in the top hypercar class (LMDh). Tha was after the Rolex Clock had made two laps around its 12-hour face at the 100th running of Le Mans, aka the Circuit de la Sarthe. Last year’s winners Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa, in the #8 GR010 Hybrid from Toyota’s gazoo racing held off all competitors except the red colored one with the prancing horse. After 24 relentless hours of racing, the #8 crossed the line in second place, 1 min 21.793 secs behind the winning #51 Ferrari.

As always, rain induced carnage worked its way with hapless drivers making the outcome somewhat random with roughly one-third of the race run under yellow flags with its innovative five separate safety cars deployed by class. There was a record 16-car hypercar field with competitors from Cadillac,* Ferrari, Peugeot and Porsche. These race cars are now clearly as complex, exciting and as expensive as Formula One cars. Continue reading →

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Paris Air Show – Stellantis and Archer to Debut eVTOL Aircraft

Posted on 9 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Stellantis to Make Archer Electric Airplanes - photo courtesy of and copyright Archer

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Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) and Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) said today that they will host the European debut of Midnight electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL)  Aircraft at 2023 Paris Air Show. On display in Hall 5 at Le Bourget Airport during the 54th edition of the Paris Air Show starting 19 June 2023. (AutoInformed:Stellantis to Make Archer Electric Airplanes)

Archer’s Midnight aircraft will be the featured eVTOL aircraft at the Paris Air Show, positioned in the center of the Air Mobility event, which is located in Hall 5 at Le Bourget Airport. Devoted to the latest innovations and emerging technologies in eVTOL, the Paris Air Show’s Air Mobility event will bring together key participants of the emerging sector with three days of discussions on the maturation of advanced air mobility and its impact on the future of aerospace. Continue reading →

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Ford To Run Mustangs in GT3 and GTD Next Year

Posted on 9 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Ford To Run Mustangs in GT3 and GTD Next Year

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The Ford Mustang GT3 race car, based on the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse, was unveiled today during the centenary celebration on the eve of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With the reveal, Ford is trying to enter Mustang in to the global FIA GT3 racing category, subject to FIA approval. Ford’s last victory at Le Mans was in 2016 with the Ford GT. Ford also showed a new Ford Performance branding that will now be used on all its racing vehicles.

“Ford and Le Mans are bound together by history. And now we’re coming back to the most dramatic, most rewarding and most important race in the world. It is not Ford versus Ferrari anymore. It is Ford versus everyone. Going back to Le Mans is the beginning of building a global motorsports business with Mustang, just like we are doing with Bronco and Raptor off-road,” claimed Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company CEO. Continue reading →

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GM Adding Tesla Supercharger Network to Ultium Charge 360

Posted on 9 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Expanding EV Choices Increase Buying Consideration - the 2024 Equinox EV - a $30,000 Breakthrough?

The 2024 Equinox EV has technology, range, space. Quality is likely high too. Click to Enlarge.

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) is following Ford Motor Company expanding EV charging access to the Tesla supercharger network. GM customers will be able to access 12,000 Tesla Superchargers and growing beginning in early 2024 as part of the ongoing Ultium Charge 360 plan to expand access for residential, work and public charging.

“Our vision of the all-electric future means producing millions of world-class EVs across categories and price points, while creating an ecosystem that will accelerate mass EV adoption,” said GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra. “This collaboration is a key part of our strategy and an important next step in quickly expanding access to fast chargers for our customers. Not only will it help make the transition to electric vehicles more seamless for our customers, but it could help move the industry toward a single North American charging standard.” Continue reading →

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NHTSA Issues Consumer Alert for Ford and Lincoln Fires

Posted on 8 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on NHTSA Issues Consumer Alert for Ford and Lincoln Fires

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In an urgent move The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just issued a rare CONSUMER ALERT warning that Ford Motor Company has issued a new recall for 125,322 model year 2020-2023 Ford Escape, 2022-2023 Ford Maverick and 2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair vehicles for a risk of fire due to engine failure. Ford advises customers to safely park and shut off the engine as quickly as possible if they hear unexpected engine noises, lose power, or see or smell smoke. Continue reading →

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Toyota to Build New Auto Battery Lab at Michigan R&D Site

Posted on 8 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Toyota to Build New Automotive Battery Lab at Michigan R&D Site

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Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (NYSE:TM) said today that it will invest ~$50 million to construct a new laboratory facility at its North American R&D headquarters in York Township, Michigan to evaluate batteries for electric and electrified vehicles in North America. Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky are the intended customers. Operations at the new battery lab are forecast to begin in 2025. (AutoInformed: Toyota to Assemble Three-Row Electric SUV in Kentucky)

“This new investment in our North American R&D operation, which has been a key pillar of the Michigan automotive industry for more than 50 years, shows Toyota’s directional shift towards electrification for all,” said Shinichi Yasui, executive vice president of Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), Research and Development. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Edition

Posted on 8 June 2023 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Annals of Marketing – Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Edition

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The Garage 56 entry – a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 – is at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race this weekend, so it was inevitable that punters will get to own a car “inspired” by the purpose-built race car. However, there appears to be remarkable restraint in the scope of the sales plan with only 56 versions planned?

Renderings of the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Edition were shown publicly for the first time today in France during a “Meet the Team” event at Le Mans highlighting the race program and the race car. (AutoInformed: Le Mans 2023 – NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 Entry Unveiled at Daytona; NASCAR – Johnson, Rockenfeller, Button to Drive Camaro ZL1 at the 24-Hour Le Mans Race in June; Hendrick Motorsports to Run Camaro ZL1 at Le Mans!) Continue reading →

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Stellantis to Buy Back More Shares

Posted on 7 June 2023 by Ken Zino

Stellantis* (NYSE: STLA) announced today in Amsterdam that its Share Buyback Program that cancels common shares will proceed with a second tranche by an independent investment firm that makes its trading decisions concerning the timing of purchases independently of Stellantis. This will cover a maximum amount of up to €500 million starting on 7 June 2023, ending no later than 7  September 2023. Common shares purchased “will be cancelled in due course.” (AutoInformed on: Stellantis Shareholders Approve €4.2 Billion Dividend; Stellantis €1.5B Share Buyback Program Starts Tomorrow)

The purchase price per common share will be no higher than an amount equal to 110% of the market price of the shares on the NYSE, Euronext Milan or Euronext Paris (as the case may be). The market price will be calculated as the average of the highest price on each of the five days of trading prior to the date on which the acquisition is made, as shown in the official price list of the NYSE, Euronext Milan or Euronext Paris. Continue reading →

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